NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board (ICB) has appointed Dr Andrew Rochford as its new Executive Medical Director.
Andrew will join the organisation in October 2026, bringing extensive experience of clinical leadership, commissioning and healthcare transformation from across local, regional and national NHS organisations.
Currently Regional Medical Director for Commissioning and System Resilience at NHS England, Andrew has led clinical strategy across some of the NHS’s most complex programmes, while continuing to practise as a Consultant Gastroenterologist at the Royal Free London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Throughout his career he has built a reputation for bringing clinicians, partners and organisations together to improve quality, strengthen patient safety and deliver lasting improvements in care.
His appointment comes at an important time for Norfolk and Suffolk as the ICB continues to work with partners to improve health outcomes, reduce inequalities and deliver more joined-up, community-based care for the 1.7 million people who live across the region.
As Executive Medical Director, Andrew will provide professional leadership for doctors across the system, helping to shape the future of healthcare by ensuring clinical expertise sits at the heart of decision-making, service improvement and innovation.
Andrew will take over from Dr Mike Smith, who has served as Interim Executive Medical Director and will leave the ICB to take up a new role as new Chief Medical and Outcomes Officer for NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board.
Ed Garratt OBE, Chief Executive of NHS Norfolk and Suffolk ICB, said: “Andrew is an outstanding clinical leader, with experience spanning frontline care, system working and national NHS leadership. His collaborative approach, strategic insight and strong focus on quality and patient safety will be invaluable as we continue to build our new ICB and deliver our ambitions for the people of Norfolk and Suffolk.
“The fact that Andrew continues to practise as a clinician also brings an important frontline perspective to the role, ensuring clinical expertise remains at the heart of the decisions we make.
“I would also like to thank Dr Mike Smith for the leadership and commitment he has brought to the role as our Interim Executive Medical Director during an important period of transition. We wish him every success in his new role.
“I very much look forward to welcoming Andrew to the team and working with him as we continue to improve health and care across Norfolk and Suffolk.”
Dr Andrew Rochford said: “I am honoured to be joining the ICB as Executive Medical Director. I have been impressed by the ambition across the system to improve outcomes, tackle health inequalities and deliver care in ways that better meet the needs of local communities.
“I believe the best solutions are developed by working together, listening to clinicians, patients and partners, and ensuring that clinical expertise informs every decision we make.
“I am looking forward to working with colleagues across Norfolk and Suffolk to build on the excellent work already taking place and help deliver high-quality, safe and sustainable services for everyone who lives here.”